Ampere, Renault Group’s dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and software division, has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with
Stratus Materials Inc, a US-based specialist in cobalt-free cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries. The agreement marks a significant step in Ampere’s battery strategy, focusing on the evaluation of Stratus’s proprietary LXMOTM (Lithium X Manganese Oxide) technology for potential integration into Renault’s future EV fleet.
The collaboration will see the high-energy, cobalt-free battery CAM tested at Ampere’s newly inaugurated battery cell innovation lab in Lardy, France. This facility is designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs and reinforce the Renault Group’s competitive edge in the electric mobility sector.
LXMOTM-based batteries offer a compelling alternative to conventional NMC (Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt) and LFP (lithium, iron, phosphate) chemistries. They promise energy densities on par with or exceeding NMC, while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and safety profile of LFP. At the system level, this translates to pack-level energy densities potentially twice that of current technologies, enabling longer range, improved safety, and reduced vehicle costs.
High energy densityThe JDA aligns with Ampere’s three-phase battery roadmap — starting with NMC for high energy density, followed by LFP—set to debut in Renault vehicles from 2026 — and now exploring cobalt-free solutions.
Nicolas Racquet, vice president of vehicle and powertrain Engineering at Ampere, said: “Ampere is looking closely at high energy cobalt-free materials because of their potential advantages compared to incumbent cathode materials. Stratus's LXMOTM CAMs have gained Ampere’s attention because of their unique and compelling combination of performance, cost, safety, and cycle life.”
Jay Whitacre, CEO of Stratus Materials, added: “We are thrilled to have LXMOTM selected by Ampere and Renault Group as a candidate for deployment into their future vehicle portfolio. Our progress to date with Ampere has been strong and we look forward to delivering on the ongoing JDA and moving together toward full vehicle deployments.”
As the race to develop safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable battery technologies intensifies, Ampere’s partnership with Stratus underscores its commitment to innovation and leadership in the EV space.